White ants have invaded one of the newer buildings of the primary compus at Kyabram P-12 College.

Victorian upper house Labor MP Kaye Darveniza has called on the Napthine Government to commit to funding the Kyabram P-12 College in the May budget.

Speaking in Parliament last week, the Member for Northern Victoria said it was time the government ‘‘ceased ignoring regional and rural schools to the point that they are falling down.’’

‘‘Kyabram P-12 College principal Stuart Bott is desperate for funding to remove the infestation of white ants that are now in a number of buildings at the college,’’ she said.

‘‘This is an ongoing problem that the government is well aware of, but continues to ignore.’’

Mr Bott confirmed yesterday white ant damage had spread to the office administration building, the Year 3 and 4 classroom and the administration block for the primary school area.

‘‘Kyabram P-12 College continues to miss out on funding, despite the Victorian Minister for Education Martin Dixon visiting in 2011 and in 2012 and saying that the school was a priority — perhaps for the white ants,’’ Ms Darveniza said.

‘‘After missing out on the latest maintenance round, the Kyabram P-12 College community are keeping an open mind and hoping that they won’t once again be overlooked and funding for their third stage regeneration program, which will build a $12million middle years complex, will be forthcoming in this year’s budget.’’

College school council president Jarrod Gale said the college’s regeneration project was sitting in limbo at the moment.

‘‘We’re still focused on the regeneration project and really want to get it moving again,’’ Mr Gale said.

‘‘We were overlooked in the latest round of maintenance funding and the view of the school council is that it’s a positive our case is being backed by Kaye Darveniza.’’

College principal Stuart Bott also said he was happy the college’s situation had been mentioned in Victorian Parliament.

‘‘Maintenance inspections were carried out last year and we showed them the white ant problem we have here,’’ Mr Bott said.

‘‘There is a clear focus on getting funding for the Year 5 to 9 village, which is quite a big building.

‘‘The regeneration project started many years ago and we want to see it through to completion.’’

Member for Rodney Paul Weller said he was aware of the important need to continue the delivery of the Kyabram P-12 Regeneration Project to deliver the overall master plan.

‘‘I am in regular contact with the Education Minister and his office to ensure that message is conveyed,’’ Mr Weller said.

‘‘The capital needs of all schools will be considered by the minister as part of the state budgetary planning process and I am not prepared to speculate on what will or will not be funded in the May 2014 Budget.’’